Rangers moment v Celtic ‘Horrible’ after Cyriel Dessers admission
Cyriel Dessers not taking a penalty in the League Cup final shootout defeat against Celtic is a “horrible” look for Rangers, Keith Jackson says.
The Daily Record journalist feels the Nigerian striker not stepping up in the crucial moment at Hampden Park on Sunday [15 December] is “symptomatic” of the disorder at the Gers.
Philippe Clement revealed after the 5-4 penalties loss to the Hoops that the 30-year-old forward was sixth in the list of penalty takers, which Jackson believes doesn’t do the number nine any favours.
In the Daily Record [17 December], the Scottish journalist wrote: “Clement insisted afterwards that Dessers was sixth on his list of takers, but really, even if that was the case, what does it say about his No.9?
“It can only be concluded that Dessers didn’t fancy taking one in regulation, or Clement thought his goalkeeper was a safer bet. Either way, it’s a horrible look and one that is symptomatic of the mess Rangers have got themselves into over these recent years.”
Cyriel Dessers has lost confidence at Rangers
Dessers has been omitted from the starting lineup in recent weeks after some disappointing performances throughout the campaign.
At the start of the season, the Nigeria international was Clement’s go-to striker, but over time, the Belgian seems to have become frustrated with the 30-year-old due to his profligacy.
Hamza Igamane’s emergence has also contributed to the former Cremonese star dropping to the bench.
Rangers look to have found a solution to their goalscoring woes with some impressive displays over the last few matches, and the Moroccan striker has been at the centre of that.
Danilo has also returned from injury, and the Brazilian came in clutch at Hampden, scoring the equaliser to make it 3-3 just before the 90th-minute mark.
It’s unsurprising to see Dessers’ confidence decline, and Clement might have had a perfectly acceptable reason to keep the Nigerian out of the spotlight.
But the 30-year-old not stepping up when his team needed him the most has only made matters worse for the centre-forward.
In other Rangers news, Patrick Stewart has made his first big call as CEO after the controversy against Celtic.
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